While not strictly a brunch spot, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, a Mediterranean-Greek restaurant in Miami, serves lunch on a terrace that provides an ideal atmosphere for a long, relaxing meal.
mandolinmiami.com

Topping Rose House, a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion in Bridgehampton, N.Y., offers an elegant, but not stuffy, spot for a memorable family brunch. A signature dish, the Bridgehampton Town Fry, is made with soft scrambled organic farm eggs, fried oysters and chili dust.
Mark Jordan

Mother's Day seems to call for brunch, says chef Marc Murphy, a regular judge on the Food Network show Chopped and owner of Landmarc restaurants in New York. "It's a good way to kick off the day and celebrate Mom," he says. Murphy, a father of two, shares some favorite spots for the May 11 holiday with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY, offering both traditional and surprising suggestions.

Extra VirginNew YorkWhile Manhattan has plenty of fancy spreads, Murphy likes this little spot in the West Village with a small deck, which allows outdoor dining. "It's the cutest little restaurant, very neighborhood-oriented, and the food is great. The eggs Benedict is one of our favorites." 212-691-9359; extravirginrestaurant.com

Mandolin Aegean BistroMiamiThough not strictly a brunch spot, this Mediterranean-Greek restaurant serves lunch on a terrace that provides an ideal atmosphere for a long, relaxing meal, Murphy says. "The setting and food are so good. It's a perfect place. Just go, you're going to love it." 305-576-6066; mandolinmiami.com

Founding FarmersWashingtonMurphy likes this spot, which emphasizes local products, because it's so welcoming to families — a quality that's particularly important for a multi-generation Mother's Day outing. And, the food's top-notch. "My kids love it. They do a fried chicken. They have really good farm eggs, and the menu's great," he says. 202-822-8783; wearefoundingfarmers.com

ContigoAustinMurphy takes a January family trip after the holiday rush, and last year, they headed to the Lone Star State. "We got off the plane and stumbled upon this place. The hominy soup was delicious," he says. 512-614-2260; contigotexas.com/austin

Commander's PalaceNew OrleansThere's a reason this restaurant, with its balloons on the tables and a roving jazz trio, is famous for brunch, Murphy says. He has been twice — once for a bachelor party and once with his family. The first time, he started with cocktails, and it went on for hours. On the second, his kids had virgin Sazeracs, and the family ate turtle soup and crawfish étouffée, then walked through the neighborhood. "It was one of those days in the top 10." 504-899-8221; commanderspalace.com

Cafe SpiaggiaChicagoSome famous restaurants remain famous for a reason, and — lucky for Mom — this one has a cafe offering brunch, with items such as Crostino di uovo, made with prosciutto, a fried egg, arugula and balsamic vinegar on bread. "It's one of those places people know for quality and a quintessential type of Chicago experience. It's damn good food," Murphy says. In addition, on Mother's Day, each mom gets a house-made pastry gift. 312-280-2750; spiaggiarestaurant.com

CoppaBostonMurphy has fond memories of taking his family to brunch here before a Red Sox game. Both the setting and the Italian food made an impression. "It was dish after dish of really inventive stuff. The chef loves to take ingredients and make them sing. And it's in a very cute neighborhood." 617-391-0902; coppaboston.com

Miss Shirley's CaféBaltimoreThis Inner Harbor restaurant (with two other locations) is a brunch bonanza, with offerings such as raspberry white chocolate waffles, chicken and waffles, and the Maryland omelet, made with crab, tomatoes and Swiss cheese and dusted with Old Bay seasoning. "This restaurant is perfect for families. The food is delicious — really great home cooking. Plus, if it's warm, you can sit outside," Murphy says. 410-528-5373; missshirleys.com

Topping Rose HouseBridgehampton, N.Y.Though the Hamptons can get fancy, this spot in a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion doesn't go over the top. "It's elegant, but not stuffy elegant," Murphy says. The chef focuses on products from local fisherman and antibiotic-free ingredients. "It's a jewel box. They're making great food in the cutest little setting." 631-537-0870; toppingrosehouse.com

Hog Island Oyster FarmMarshall, Calif.Don't expect to find a buffet waiting for you at this waterfront spot, where you reserve a picnic table and prepare a meal by a Pacific inlet. Guests purchase oysters on site and can cook them on grills. Charcoal and shucking tools (and lessons) are available. You also can pick up goat cheese, bread and cheese. "This is a different kind of brunch. But if I brought my wife there for Mother's Day, she would love it," Murphy says. 415-663-9218; hogislandoysters.com